BY KWANELE TSABEDZE
LUDZIDZINI – Youth employment, mines, teachers, the Youth Enterprise Fund, and vocational training.
These are just some of the topics raised by the public today during the section of the Sibaya people’s parliament addressing Economic Development.
Following are some of the submissions on Economic Development by Emaswati.
Sitezi Dlamini from Malindza
“Your Majesty, on the topic of the economy, I believe the economy will grow if we go back to Vision 2022. I was lucky to work in parliament and see what had been achieved in terms of Vision 2022. However, due to global pressures, we were not able to fully achieve His Majesty’s vision. As such, if the nation goes back to pursuing that vision, I believe the country will flourish,” said Sitezi.
He advised that the new government should double down on the Vision because it addresses all the different issues which affect Emaswati, such as Health, Education, and Employment among others.
Zinhle Matsebula from Ludzeludze
“Your Majesty, I come here to speak about how we can develop the economy. We thank the Ministry of Education’s programmes from Primary Schools to Universities. However, I would advise the Ministry to consult with the private sector as to what skills are needed in the economy. Businesspeople say there is employment and they sometimes have to hire from outside the country because what students learn is not aligned to what is needed in the workplace,” she said.
“We also request that the youth get one year without paying taxes when they start working, and that youth businesses get favourable tax rates,” she added.
Sarah Ginindza-Shandu from Nsangwini
“Your Majesty, we here that you want ideas on how we can preserve our peace as Emaswati. Your Majesty we appreciate the appointment of new chiefs where there were none. We now request that chiefs organize ways for Emaswati to learn on what it means to be LiSwati, especially to the youth,” she said.
“I would also request, Your Majesty, that you do not forget to appoint representatives for people living with disabilities as you appoint cabinet members,” she added.
Sabelo Magagula from Shewula spoke on the importance of ensuring that wages in the country are good enough for members of the public to live and support their familiies.
Abel Tfwala from Mhlangeni
“Your Majesty, I come here to add and advise. We request that, now that the parliament has been elected, what is left is the appointment of the economic politicians. These are the people who collaborate with the Ministry of Economic Planning and Development to develop the country’s economy. As such, we request that some of the appointed politicians be economists so that they have an easier understanding of what is expected and is to be done to improve the country’s economy,” he said.
Sibonelosenkhosi Gwemba from Nceka
“As a young person, Your Majesty, I like to assess the society. The bible says that the youth is the future. As such, I feel sad when I notice that an increasing number of youth are only concerned with fun and drugs. I suggest that we give the youth activities to do so that they do not seek activities to pass the time. This can be achieved by empowering youth with vocational skills while they are still in schools. This will make sure that they have some productive activities they can indulge in when they find themselves with time on their hands,” said Gwemba.
LaNkwanyana from Lushikishini
“As parents we can see that the Government assists us with Free Primary Education and they proceed to High Schools. We have challnges taking our kids through college. I have a suggestion that Emaswati be allowed to apply for study loans from banks, wherein the Government only acts as a guarantor of that loan. This can help as there will not be any delays in study loans which happen sometimes for now. I believe that this can greatly assist us as parents,” said LaNkwanyana.
Thandeka Khanyile from Motshane
“Your Majesty I am one of the small businesspeople in the country who is assisting in developing the country’s economy as well as youth empowerment. I am here to advise on the Youth Enterprise Fund, what a dream! We appreciate the availability of the fund, and only advise that it be made available to more young people in the country,” said Khanyile.
Phumelele Dlamini from Lundzi
“I would like to throw my suggestions on the pile. To start, I would like to make an axample of a bucket when you fill it up when it has a whole – it will never fill up no matter how much you pour water into it. I say this to say that the first thing we should address as a nation for our flourish is corruption. There are different kinds of corruption and there is not always the required accountability. This promotes further corruption,” she said. She advised that there be more anti-corruption activity to support the economy.
What followed after the open discussions on economic development were panel speeches on particular topics.
Mathanda Shabangu from Lobamba Lomdzala
“I am here to thank Their Majesties because this opportunity is rare. The opportunity to directly participate in our democracy. What I would like to say about the economy is that we are reliant on our neighbours for such things as electricity. We also import such staples as maize, and we do not manufacture basics like soap. If we focused on such, there would be better rates of employment in the country,” suggested Shabangu.
